I have said it before, and I will say it again, there is something about music that just moves my heart. But I have a problem because I think too many us sing the lyrics, but miss the impact of what we are singing. I see this most in the Christmas Carols we sing.

Think about it. While you are singing your favorite carol, do you truly know what you are singing? When you sing, “Hark, the Herald Angels sing . . .” Do you stop and consider what you just sang?

Go ahead and try it.

“Hark!

Looky there! Do you see those angels singing? What are they singing about?

Glory to the newborn King, Peace on earth and mercy mild

Wow! So what is so special about that?

God and sinners [are] reconcile[d]

Holy Moly! They are?

Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies;

I would say so! All of you nations of the Earth, rise and become full of joy! Join in with the angelic host [as they] proclaim

‘Christ is born in Bethlehem’
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.

Do you see what I mean? When you sing the songs, don’t just utter the words, know what you are singing!

During my own private time of worship, I like to take a fresh section of God’s Word and begin to think about it. I ponder it over and over. With the Holy Spirit I am able to gain Wisdom, Insight, Understanding and Peace for the day ahead.

During worship this afternoon, we sang about the wonder and Glory of our God:

Befriended

Befriended, befriended by the King above all Kings
Surrendered, surrendered to a friend above all friends

Invited, invited deep into this mystery
Delighted, delighted by the wonders I have seen

This will be my story
This will be my song
You’ll always be my savior.
Jesus You will always have my heart

Astounded, astounded that Your gospel beckoned me
Surrounded, surrounded but I’ve never been so free,

Determined, determined now to live this life for You
You’re so worthy my greatest gift would be the least You’re due

This will be my story
This will be my song
You’ll always be my Savior.
Jesus You will always have my heart

That song immediately reminded of Baruch Hashem Adonai:

Baruch Hashem Adonai כבוד שם יהוה
(Blessed be the Name of the Lord)

Who am I to be part of Your People
The ones that are called by Your Name
Could I be Chosen as one of Your Own
Could it be that our blood line is the same.

How can a stranger a remnant of nations
Belong to this Royal Line
You showed Your grace when the
branches were broken and I grafted into the vine

Baruch Hashem Adonai (2 X)
Blessed be the Name of the Lord
Baruch Hashem Adonai.

How Could You show me
Such bountiful mercy
By taking the life of the Lamb
Your love is greater than I can imagine
I bless You with all that I am

Praise to You Jesus the Veil has been parted
And what once was a secret is known
Now I can cry to You
Abba My Father and Praise You as
one of Your Own.

Baruch Hashem Adonai (2 X)
Blessed be the Name of the Lord
Baruch Hashem Adonai.

I don’t think any of us can fully fathom what our God has done, that is why they sing, “Who am I to be part of Your People, The ones that are called by Your Name?”

Don’t look at me that way, I bet you don’t understand it any more than I do.

Several years ago, my wife and I camped at Porcupine Mountain, Michigan. In fact, on my “Bucket List” is a desire to return to the mountain! Even to this day it has remained the most remote location I know of. When we were camping, I remember lying on the beach of Lake Superior and staring into the shy. It was the most magnificent view I had ever seen — even more impressive than Haleakala on Maui (and that was astounding!). Because there are no streetlights or other urban light sources to spoil the night sky, the stars as seen on Porcupine Mountain were the brightest I had ever observed. It was so incredible; I had to lie down because it was making me dizzy!

Lying there, I began to repeat the words of the Psalmist:

When I look at your heavens,the creation of your fingers,the moon and the stars that you have set in place— what is a mortal that you remember himor the Son of Man that you take care of him? (Psalm 8:3-4)

So where is your heart this morning? Wrapped up in the “affairs and busyness of life,” or are you going to take time to consider the amazing wonder of our Father?

Nickolas

With these Morning Messages, I take you on guided tours to, as Bunyan described, the Celestial City. At times we linger at corners familiar and unseen. And explore the depths of our faith along the way.

The trail is long, but there’s no hurry. Though we do need to stock up on supplies for the way, and that’s where I need your help. If you enjoy these messages, please consider becoming a contributing member of this tour group. It will be very much appreciated.